MUSIC

An anthem, a battle cry for civil rights, a call for respect: Aretha Franklin impacted it all. Her version of “Respect” energized empowering movements, driving feminism in-full-force. And although gone, her impact will last a lifetime.

Rihanna is a master of all trades. From winning Grammys to starting her own companies, bad girl Riri is taking the world by storm. By releasing Savage x Fenty, she is inspiring the world on what it means to be femme.

Rihanna, singer of bangin’ hits such as “Umbrella” and “S&M” (to name just a few), has told Trump to STFU when it comes to her music. Homegirl has backed up her words with action and the POTUS is now no longer able to play her music at his rallies. Even more artists should do the same.

Joan Jett shook all of rock and roll with her bad ass attitude and rebellious personality. She faced many misogynist ideals in a world where men musicians dominated the peak era of rock and roll. Although the fight is not over, Jett has inspired all feminist musicians to break industry barriers and fight for gender equality.

TELEVISION & FILM

Crazy Rich Asians has changed Hollywood forever, leaving an impact that is here to stay. The extravagant film has made a momentous movement in the industry, paving the way for not only the representation of the Asian culture, but also for the actors. And no matter what your prefered genre for films is, this is a must-see!

Forget about the Hallmark and Lifetime channels—Netflix is releasing some new holiday flicks that all have women leads. Santa won’t be in charge of the holidays this season, but rather the women who take the reins and control their own lives and Christmases. Let’s check out the fabulous ladies in these upcoming movies.

When I saw the trailer for Venom many moons ago, I was thrumming with excitement. When critics started tearing the movie apart symbiote-style, I was a bit let down that a movie with so much potential could fail so spectacularly. BUT, I saw the movie anyway and was pleasantly surprised. Spoilers for the movie Venom (2018).

Mary Shelley was beyond her years. A feminist in a male-dominated world, Shelley demonstrated her talents as a writer. With society against her, Shelley produced a novel that changed the literary world.

As this year comes to a close, we can truly say the conversation surrounding mental health has grown substantially. Its has become more evident and vastly more universal, as various stars open up about their own struggles.

The Democratic Party did not win back the Senate, but there are other wins to celebrate. There was a large voter turnout, Dems won back the House, and there were victories both huge and small across the nation in terms of diversity and intersectionality.

It’s a feeling, like the pit in your stomach when you’re sent to the principal’s office or caught for stealing. The staccato nerves of an inclining rollercoaster that will never fall, punching your throat and keeping you quiet. I can’t remember the first time I felt it, nor can I remember a time when it wasn’t there, pulling my uvula down like the string of cheap blinds. It’s the fear and hopelessness that follows victims who know they’ll never get justice because no one will believe them.